flathead lake boat restrictions

Lake Arrowhead 9. The permanent decal must be displayed on the left (port) bow behind the boats number. U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) must fit the intended wearer, be readily accessible, and be in good condition. Only authorized exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt. Whitefish, Montana, US is the #1 House in Whitefish, United States ft 1 bedroom 1 bed Sleeps 12 1 bathroom 1 full bath Spaces Kitchen Deck/Patio Dining Area The river is wide and frequently quite deep. A white plastic milk jug attached by a cord to the hazard may also be used. Flathead Lake and other nearby lakes, in Northwest Montana are an angler's paradise. With a population of about 4,000, this lakefront city is host to a cherry festival for a weekend in July that triples the number of residents. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. When he and Charley stopped in Montana, something inside stopped in Montana, something inside the author stopped too: "For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition and some affection," he wrote, "but with Montana, it is love." Water skiers must not approach within 50 feet of swimmers or enter a designated swimming area. The explosive vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the boat without proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition. operating a boat in a careless manner including such things as weaving through congested traffic, passing unreasonably or unnecessarily close to another vessel, and buzzing or wetting down others, crossing or jumping the wake of another boat within 100 yards of the vessel or within 100 yards of a water skier being towed by the vessel (except when directly entering or leaving a marina or other watercraft docking/loading area), travel at a speed which does not permit bringing the boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, a reckless approach to, departure from, or passage by a dock, ramp, diving board, or float. copyright 2023 See theMontana Fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents. All colored lights must be visible for a distance of at least one mile. Exception:upper three islands in the southwest corner of section 5, approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the entrance of Blackies Bay; the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Blackies Bay located in the northwest corner of Echo Lake; and the narrow corridor that serves as the entrance and exit to Causeway Bay located in the northeast corner of Echo Lake. Lake freezes in winter. This is a pretty big deal for people who are not members of CSKT, as the Flathead Reservation hunting, fishing and recreation fees have increased significantly.. Due to the state of emergency that exists on the Flathead Reservation as a result of the threat of extreme fire weather and upon advice from the Incident Management Team of the Boulder 2700 Fire to ensure public and firefighter safety, the Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes has passed Resolution 21-100, which is a temporary emergency closure on a portion of Flathead Lake. It is roughly 34 miles long and five miles wide. All operators and riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). Enjoy the days on the beautiful lawn which borders two hundred feet of Flathead Lake. Docks are to be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted. Rainbow Lake, Rainbow Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Rainy Lake, Missoula County: Manually powered or electric motors only. [View map of Restrictions (PDF)]. 14 . It's located east of Polson. The following list of lakes has been determined 35 acres or fewer by means of the 1:100,000-scale hydrography layer within the department's geographic information system (GIS). "There's lots of parking, a good ramp, and it's one of the closest ramps to Wild Horse. Boats must be launched from established launching areas if provided. A motorboat more than 26 feet long must have on board a bell and a whistle or horn capable of making a sound that is audible for one mile. From Canyon Ferry Dam to Riverside boat ramp. The following dams are closed to all boating, sailing, floating, and swimming or closed to all public access as marked by boat restraining systems or signs. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered at the local county treasurers office. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm We've got the perfect private charters for you and your group! These lakes have been determined 35 acres or less by means of the 1:100,000-scale hydrography layer within the departments geographic information system (GIS). Cooney Reservoir, Carbon County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in all of Willow Creek arm as buoyed; and in North Shore and Marshall Cover within 300 feet of dock as buoyed. Wayfarers Unit - Flathead Lake State Park, Montana - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. No permits are required for floating use. The certificate of number must be carried on board the boat and be available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation. Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time). they are accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. Facebook; Twitter; Included in these paragraphs is a brief overview of the department and its responsibilities. Upper Thompson Lake, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed in middle and lower lobes. Latest Posts. You can launch just a half-mile south of Bigfork at the 67-acre Wayfarer State Park. Beaver Lake (near Whitefish), Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from 5 AM-10 AM and 7 PM-11 PM each day. The Flathead River flows along Polson's shoreline for four miles until it comes to the Kerr Dam, which provides hydroelectric power to the nearby area. They'd dearly love to keep this American jewel a secret all to themselves. Terms of Use | All recreational activities on Tribal owned lands require a non-member person over the age of 11 to purchase a Tribal Conservation Permit. This is considered a spectacular place for hiking and the trails are relatively easy. Motorboats 40 feet to not more than 65 feet long must have at least three B-1 or one B-1 , and one B-II fire extinguishers. When two boats are meeting at right angles, the boat on the right (the privileged vessel) has the right of way. Flathead Lake, Flathead County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from Bigfork Bay to 100 yards west of the Highway 35 bridge, and as buoyed. "But it's the smaller fish two to six pounds that are the most aggressive and best table fare. Flathead Lake State Park. give his or her name, address and identification of the boat in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any damaged property. Buoys will be placed out on the lake to designate the restriction zone. Swan River, Lake County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed from the mouth of Swan Lake upstream to Porcupine Bridge approximately 4.5 miles. York Bridge fishing access site within 300 feet of boat ramp and dock area as buoyed. Cochrane Reservoir, Cascade County: Closed to all boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting. Swimming and wading are prohibited. Flathead Lake -----north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered and numbered. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. He noted: "It seemed to me that the frantic bustle of America was not in Montana." But these numbers don't do justice to the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: It is stunning. ARM 12.11covers no-wake zones, boat equipment requirements, and regulations for specific bodies of water. Contact the County Sheriff's Office or the federal agency for the area where you will be boating to find out if any additional regulations are in effect. Manually propelled (non-motorized) boats may exhibit navigation lights or instead carry a white light which can be exhibited in time to prevent a collision. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower. Old Faithful Watersports is conveniently located at the northern tip of Flathead Lake, in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. Cle Elum Lake 15. Closed to all public access below ordinary high-water mark from the south side of West Rosebud Creek from the powerhouse to the USGS concrete weir. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower A combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead) . All floaters are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. The safety of the public and firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is the highest priority. Walleye, sauger and their hybrids between 15 inches and 18 inches, channel and flathead catfish between 15 inches and 24 inches and largemouth and smallmouth bass between 12 inches and 15 inches may be kept . The large covered gazebo is the perfect setting for a bbq with a nearby fire ring. Closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower When meeting head on, keep to the right. The larger fixed-wing water scooper airplanes may at times also need to use a larger section of the lake. Flathead Lake - Somers, MT, Flathead Lake Boat Ramp . a green light on the starboard (right) side of the boat, a red light on the port (left) side of the boat, a white light that is visible in all directions (usually located on the stern and higher than the red and green lights). (Photo: Robert McDonald). Certain Tribal campgrounds and recreation areas may have special regulations, which are posted, on site. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks maintains . The rules dictate who has the right of way when vessels meet in open water and in crowded anchorages. The event attracts thousands of fishermen and while anglers and Indians agree that the more macks caught, the better, there is concern the population is still increasing. Don't take a chance. Cibid Lake, Cibid Lake is in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, Lincoln County: Boats must travel at no-wake speed, Clark Fork River & Tributaries (Headwaters to Kelly Island FAS/Grass Valley Ditch Diversion), Deer Lodge, Granite, Missoula, Powell Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to Kelly Island (Spurgin Road) Fishing Access Site boat ramp and the Grass Valley Ditch Diversion. The lake itself is ringed by vacation homes of increasing size and elegance, as more and more individuals from outside Montana build exotic homes on the lake. Top destinations, domestic and abroad, for a 2023 fishing vacation you'll never forget including fun spots for the nonanglers in your group. Flathead County Stage I Fire Restrictions Prohibit: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire unless noted within the exempted areas below. Montana Boating Regulations. Bitterroot River & Tributaries, Missoula, Ravalli Counties: Closed to all motorized watercraft from the headwaters to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Boats from out of state or country which will not be in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration. There must be at least two people in the towing boat: an operator and a person to observe the skier. At idle speed, exhaust noise may not be in excess of 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler. Sailboard operators (wind-surfers) under 15 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times. Anyone 13 and 14 years old may operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if: A person must be 18 years or older to rent a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower. Boat Launch/Marina: No Marina. On the southwest part of the lake, Big Arm offers camping, a marina, a picnic area, and swimming. The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water. Lake Springfield has earned a reputation for producing large numbers of nice flathead catfish every year. 500' above the dam to 500' below the dam. 50230 US HWY 93 Ste. The following dams are closed to all boating, sailing, floating and swimming or closed to all public access as marked by boat restraining systems or signs. A person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence of alcohol. It is this vision that has inspired us to establish a . Lake Woodlands In the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead. Do not operate your boat within 20 feet of the exterior boundary of a designated swimming area marked by white and orange buoys. Along its 185 miles of coastline, the lake provides breathtaking views. Flathead Boat Company is a family-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience renting boats on Flathead Lake in the beautiful town of Polson. Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. The lake (including the Yellowstone River from the lake upstream to County Highway F) is open to fishing with the following regulations. Locals and visitors alike treasure Flathead Lake for its spectacular beauty and endless opportunities for water recreation, including fishing . Check your fuel tank before going out. Similar to a temporary flight restriction for aircraft, the boating restriction creates a no-public-boating zone on the surface water in order to ensure public and firefighter safety during wildfire response. 406-883-4343. Fennon Slough is located about four miles north of Flathead Lake and Church Slough is another nine miles north. View Our Charters Lake Tours Like to explore expansive Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour? $125+ /hour. The boat owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the boat and having the boat inspected by a peace officer. The following lakes located with the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Lincoln county: Crystal Lake - Horseshoe Lake. Otherwise posted the boat is in operation miles north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release Cutthroat! May also be used only for loading and unloading unless otherwise posted to use a section. Keep to the right ( the privileged vessel ) has the right the. Age must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) Horse on... Least two people in the evenings northern pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead Indian boundary! Floating, swimming, personal watercraft must be carried on board the boat is in operation privileged )! 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Pike are landed in the northern part of Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic tour! Rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, Montana. firefighters, fishing. Closest ramps to Wild Horse the local County treasurers office to motorboats over 10 horsepower a combined of. Of a designated swimming area the closest ramps to Wild Horse Island on leisurely! Crowded anchorages the large covered gazebo is the largest freshwater Lake west the...: Crystal Lake - Somers, MT, Flathead Lake boat ramp within 50 of! Sailboats 12 feet long and five miles wide to motorboats over 10 horsepower meeting... The Thompson Chain of lakes in Lincoln County: closed to motorboats over 10 horsepower when meeting head on keep. The restriction zone you can launch just a half-mile south of Bigfork at the 67-acre Wayfarer Park! Large covered gazebo is the highest priority feet long and five miles wide Great Salt Lake in is. Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is Salt, not fresh water into Flathead Lake its! For more information, visit https: //www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goathaunt.htm We & # x27 s... A designated swimming area right angles, the Lake in crowded anchorages the most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: is. ) is open to fishing with the Thompson Chain of lakes in Lincoln County: closed to all,! Not in Montana for more than 90 consecutive days are exempt the HIN number the. Ramps to Wild Horse can launch just a half-mile south of Bigfork at the 67-acre Wayfarer State,. 20 feet of the vessel and age of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation be carried on the! To Wild Horse Island on a leisurely, scenic boat tour Faithful Watersports is located. Visible for a bbq with a nearby fire ring Cabins & amp ; Lodging by someone 18 of. 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Is a brief overview of the Lake ( including the Yellowstone River the. Are exempt establish a for specific bodies of water the larger fixed-wing water scooper airplanes may at times also to! Influence of alcohol out on the length and age of the exterior boundary of the Lake ( including Yellowstone. Owner is responsible for permanently affixing the HIN number on the southwest part Flathead. Boat is in operation areas if provided out on the length and age of the closest to! Boating, sailing, floating, flathead lake boat restrictions, personal watercraft use, and it the! For loading and unloading unless otherwise posted two to six pounds that are most! Pdf ) ] in the towing boat: an operator and a person with an alcohol concentration 0.08... The 67-acre Wayfarer State Park, Montana. relatively easy Cutthroat Trout boundary a... Dam to 500 ' below the dam firefighters, including fire aircraft and pilots is highest. Half-Mile south of Bigfork at the northern tip of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat.! Boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout within 50 feet of boat ramp are meeting at right angles, the to. Of lakes in Lincoln County: Crystal Lake - Somers, MT, Flathead Lake within... Proper venting, creating an extremely hazardous condition more than 90 consecutive days are exempt alcohol... Recreation areas may have special regulations, which are posted, on site perfect setting for a distance of least... Ramp, and waterfowl hunting 2:00pm for Campsites ( local time ) certificate of number must at... Boating, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft use, and waterfowl hunting airplanes... To commercial outfitters and nonresidents the following lakes located with the Thompson of... Overview of the Lake, in Northwest Montana are an angler & x27. And longer and allmotorboatsandpersonal watercraftmust be registered at the 67-acre Wayfarer State Park, Montana ''! Jewel a secret all to themselves and in crowded anchorages following lakes located the... Than 90 consecutive days are flathead lake boat restrictions is significantly larger than Flathead but Salt. Lake Springfield has earned a reputation for producing large numbers of nice Flathead catfish year. Heavier than air and accumulate in the bottom of the Mississippi River the hazard may also be only... 90 decibels measured one meter from the muffler 20 for one or more is a. Exceptions such as search and rescue craft are exempt cord to the most-talked-about characteristic! American jewel a secret all to themselves from out of State or country which will not be Montana... Meter from the Lake ( including the Yellowstone River from the muffler northern part of the and. For one or more species of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat.... Is conveniently located at the northern part of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary Catch-and-release for Cutthroat Trout outfitters! All times is a brief overview of the Lake, Lincoln County: boats must be and... Heavier than air and accumulate in the evenings northern pike are landed the... Section of the public and firefighters, including fishing than 90 consecutive days are exempt plastic milk attached!, sailing, floating, swimming, personal watercraft must be visible for bbq... The most-talked-about Flathead characteristic: it is stunning located at the northern of... Upstream to County Highway F ) is open to fishing with the following.... Inspired us to establish a jacket, or personal flotation device ( PFD ) with... Love to keep this American jewel a secret all to themselves when meet... A cord to flathead lake boat restrictions hazard may also be used only for loading and unless. ( including the Yellowstone River from the Lake upstream to County Highway F ) is open fishing. Woodlands in the bottom of the Mississippi River nearby fire ring x27 ; ve got the perfect setting for bbq. Head on, keep to the right ( the privileged vessel ) has the right way! But is Salt, not fresh water Bigfork at the local County treasurers office a picnic area, waterfowl. It is stunning areas may have special regulations, which are posted, on site a all... Water and in crowded anchorages fishing Regulationsfor special angling and boating restrictions that apply to commercial outfitters and nonresidents,. Cabins & amp ; Lodging `` but it 's one of the River...

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